Businessman remanded for alleged drug find

A32-year-old man allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs was further remanded in the Nasinu Magistrates Court yesterday after Police prosecutor Corporal Joseph Dickson said the case was of public interest. Asish Achay Kumar appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza facing two counts of possessing illicit drugs.

He was represented by Suva lawyer Andrew Liverpool.

Corporal Dickson filed and served full phase disclosures in Court. The charges were read out to Kumar in his preferred English language and he indicated that he understood the same.

It was alleged that between November 9 and 10 this year without lawful authority Kumar had in his possession 0.9 grams of Indian hemp an illicit drug.

On the second count, on the same day without lawful authority 2.0 grams of methamphetamine was also found in his possession.

His lawyer Mr Liverpool made oral submissions in regards to the accused’s bail.

He submitted that his client was a businessman and was willing to pay a sum of $1000 cash bond to the Court to indicate that he had no intentions of absconding.

He also stated that his client was willing to be entered into the immigration watch list to prohibit him from leaving the country.

Further he stated that there were two sureties available to sign for the accused adding that his client was a first offender.

He also said that the accused was willing to report to the Police station at least once a week.

Corporal Dickson stated that the accused’s wife had earlier appeared in Court and was remanded in custoday. The accused was remanded in custody and the case has been adjourned to November 17 for Magistrate Hamza to deliver her bail ruling.